***Please note that this ride is best suitable for people coming to Ladakh, India from abroad.
The ride is planned specially for foreigners considering safety, services, support and proper acclimatisation to high altitude.
A signature Tourbugs ride.
Elusive Himalayan Trails is a signature ride from Tourbugs and it runs through the most rugged and scenic part of the Himalayas. These breath-taking landscapes are perfect for photography & videography. The secret trails are perfect for pure riding experiences along with some very unusual wildlife. The routes which go along the rivers & inspire you to do great journeys even though the terrain is demanding. History of the places that take you to stone age. History, that will make you think about our existence & make you wonder about the culture & Dharma.
This tour is not for those people who have been in Ladakh before & say” Ladakh is crowded and there is nothing much to see”. Better stay away from such new Indian social media wannabes, thirsting to travel on Facebook & Instagram. The Himalayas have a lot to offer and this ride is for people who want to experience a different Ladakh and visit places beyond regular tourist spots.
The deserted Himalayas has lots of hidden secrets, the more you explore the less you know and at the end of the tour it will definitely leave you speechless.
Photo Gallery
Riding Experience
Get ready for one of a lifetime riding experience! The terrain of Ladakh is famous amongst all the adventure lovers. Riding along the Indus, Suru, Stod & Zanskar river with a view of horses running along the river beds, view of thousands of sheeps & goats grazing on wetlands! Seems like a dreamland, right? Well, we will be riding in this dreamland and clicking a lot of pictures (both physical and mental) as it is too scenic to miss on any of the things.
Also, not to miss when it comes to riding though dried-up river streams, bone chilling deep water crossings, sand patches and to the highest of the high passes will quench your thirst for adventure for a long time. The off-roads for miles and miles. Sometimes we will have to follow the direction and keep riding even without the trail marks. Sometimes the terrain gets so tough that you may not feel like riding anymore, but the moment you stop enjoying, the fun turns in to fear. We want you to keep your spirits high.
Even wildlife photography & offers Wildlife, Landscapes, tough terrains & very experiential stays along with various culture & food.
In this tour we will be taking some of the non-tourist places & routes to explore Ladakh like in the olden days.
We are taking you to rugged, tough terrain of Ladakh which includes Suru Valley, Zanskar Valley, The High & Highest Motorable roads, Changthang, Indo-Pak border, Indo-China Border, Pangong Tso, Moonland, Sand Dunes (Not Nubra Valley) and unknown plateaus layered with natural flowers.
During this ride we will be riding through challenging off roads of Suru & Zanskar Valley, through dried up river streams and beyond tourist places to experience wildlife. This ride is tiring but the scenery will definitely soothe you.
Wild Life
Mammals -Tibetan Wild Asses, Marmots, Gua, Ibex, Fox, Tibetan antelope etc.
Birds like Bar-headed goose (ngangpa), Black-necked crane (trung-trung), Tibetan Snowcock, Chukar, Brown-headed gull etc.
Suru Valley
This is the most fertile part of Ladakh. It serves as Ladakh’s granary. Lower Suru Valley is extensively cultivated with barley, wheat, millet and bean fields interspersed with willows. This valley encompasses the catchment basin of the Suru River, which emerges from the Panzella glacier. Lofty pinnacles of Kun and Nun mountains crown the breathtaking landscape of this scenic region. Parachik Glacier is a beautiful location situated at the slopes of Nun – Kun Mountains.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar remains one of the very few places on Earth that, for several months every year, becomes almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. It can only be reached, or left, via the frozen river Zanskar. Geographically, the Zanskar mountain range separates this region from the rest of Ladakh. It is fed by two rivers: the Doda, which has its origin near the Pensi La (4.400m), and the Kargyak, with its source near the Shingo La (5.100m), which then merges with the Tsarap River and is hereinafter referred to as Lungnak. In the Central Valley of Zanskar, the Doda and the Lungnak combine to give birth to the great Zanskar River.
Zanskar needs no introduction. With an encompassing rugged terrain and the pristine valleys, Zanskar is known for its breathtaking views. From torrid days to gelid nights, temperatures range wildly in this magical land.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar remains one of the very few places on Earth that, for several months every year, becomes almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. It can only be reached, or left, via the frozen river Zanskar. Geographically, the Zanskar mountain range separates this region from the rest of Ladakh. It is fed by two rivers: the Doda, which has its origin near the Pensi La (4.400m), and the Kargyak, with its source near the Shingo La (5.100m), which then merges with the Tsarap River and is hereinafter referred to as Lungnak. In the Central Valley of Zanskar, the Doda and the Lungnak combine to give birth to the great Zanskar River.
Zanskar needs no introduction. With an encompassing rugged terrain and the pristine valleys, Zanskar is known for its breathtaking views. From torrid days to gelid nights, temperatures range wildly in this magical land.
Zangla: A picturesque village in Zanskar, Zangla is an offbeat destination and is set against the spectacular backdrop of Zanskar Rage. A palace which once housed the royal family stands atop a hill nearby is now in ruins. There is a small Buddhist nunnery here and one can go and visit it to get a view of the daily life of the nuns.
Shinkul La/ Shingo La: This is a high pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. The pass is situated at 16580 feet and is considered as the origin of Zanskar River.
While extreme climatic conditions make life very difficult, people of the valley are very simple and honest, poor and hardworking, religious and spirited, affectionate and hospitable. They have minimal resources for their daily life but would always welcome guests and are happy to help the travellers, if stuck. You understand what warmth truly means when you meet people here.
Zanskar remains one of the very few places on Earth that, for several months every year, becomes almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. It can only be reached, or left, via the frozen river Zanskar. Geographically, the Zanskar mountain range separates this region from the rest of Ladakh. It is fed by two rivers: the Doda, which has its origin near the Pensi La (4.400m), and the Kargyak, with its source near the Shingo La (5.100m), which then merges with the Tsarap River. In the Central Valley of Zanskar, the Doda and the Lungnak combine to give birth to the great Zanskar River.
Changthang region
Located on the southeastern part of Ladakh, Changtang is famous for its landscape, wildlife and natural beauty.
The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the Ladakhi adjunct of the Changtang plateau. It is important as one of the few places in India with a population of the kiang or Tibetan wild ass, as well as the rare black-necked crane.
Hanle
Hanle is a one of the interesting places in the Changthang region. It is possibly one of the world’s most enchanting, serene and breath-taking places.
On the way to Hanle, it seems like you’re on a different planet altogether. Its enchanting beauty — so eerily calm — imparts the feeling of being lost in an alien land. There is some wildlife to spot along the way: mostly wild asses, golden ducks, rabbits, jackals. You can also see a few nomads along the roadside, in their makeshift tents and surrounded by their cattle and dogs. It is a lovely site to witness.
It is the site of the 17th century Hanle Monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Kagyu branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Hanle is also home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It is the world’s second highest observatory.
Detailed Itinerary
We will meet, greet, assist, and transfer you to Hotel in Leh. Free day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Remember, rest is very important on this day as the body needs to acclimatize well before we hit the road. Dinner at Hotel.
This ride goes through the highest of altitudes and we recommend to rest properly before we hit the road.
Hence we always keep one day for the best possible acclimatisation.
Post breakfast, we will start our most awaited ride!
Today, we will ride to Kargil. The roads are smooth and the landscapes will amaze you on every turn!
Overnight stay at Kargil.
Post breakfast we will start the ride towards Rangdum. It is beautifully located village in Suru Valley. This day offers a good riding terrain, spectacular landscapes and the beauty of magnificent Himalayas. Randgum has a Tibetian monastery
Overnight stay in Rangdum.
This is the day we start our exciting journey. Pack up your bags, sort out your riding gears and get ready for an amazing ride ahead! We will hit the road post breakfast. This is a very comfortable ride till Panikhar
Panikhar is said to be the most beautiful inhabited area in the trans Himalayan region. While the entire Ladakh is full of spectacular landscapes, Panikhar definitely steals the show. Panikhar is still away from commercialization, making it a perfect place to stay and experience the simple lifestyle here.
Today we pack our bags and post breakfast start our ride towards the mighty Zanskar Valley! The ride goes through one of the most scenic routes. We will be crossing the Pensi La (14436 feet) today.
We will also get to witness Drang Drung Glacier on our way. Drang drung glacier is one the highest in the region and one can just sit and get lost in the magnanimity of it.
Overnight stay at a cozy home stay for a good local experience.